X and Y a Different Story

Episode 2 - A New Rivalry

The girl gave an uneasy smile, "Wow that took you a minute."

"I am sorry," Ash said, "I don't know how I forgot, I mean we hung out together like every day as kids."

"I would say so, we played together in Professor Oaks garden all the time," Chelsea said.

Clemont leaned in, "So how do you two know each other exactly?" He asked.

Ash turned to the rest of the group, "We grew up together," He answered.

Chelsea put an arm around Ash, "We were like the closest friends," She said excitedly, "We did everything together!" She got more flamboyant in her movements. "We would play at Professor Oak's lab all the time, going into the garden and playing with the Pokémon."

Ash felt a ting of excitement, "Remember when we ran into that swarm of Beedrill, and they chased us around the garden?" He laughed.

Chelsea looked at him with a frightened look, "That was all your fault, you were the one who threw the rock."

Ash looked embarrassed. "Yeah well..."

"You threw a rock at a Beedrill swarm?" Serena gasped.

"Hey, we were playing hide and seek, and I was seeking," Ash elaborated the situation.

"That doesn't sound any better," Clemont chuckled.

Chelsea laughed, "Yeah he always was losing so he was trying to flush me by throwing a rock."

"Was not!" Ash said, "I swear you were cheating."

Chelsea smiled, "I can't believe I finally found you though." She spoke.

"What do you mean, you finally found me?" Ash asked.

"I have been searching for you since you left," Chelsea explained. "I mean I thought we were going to travel together?"

Ash gave her a sorry look. "Oh yeah I remember," He said remembering everything, "I am really sorry."

Chelsea smiled, "It's alright Ash," she gently touched his shoulder, "We are together now." She said then gave him a hug.

Ash hugged her back, "Yeah this will be great."

Chelsea pulled away from Ash, "So what are you doing now, gathering gym badges I hope."

"Of course, I am, you know that I want to be the world's greatest Pokémon master," He excitedly replied. "What are you doing?"

"I am gathering gym badges also," Chelsea said with a smile. "I am so glad we'll be traveling together."

Serena got even more nervous, she wasn't sure if she liked the relationship that Chelsea and Ash had. She felt happy that they were friends that found each other, but the hug looked way too affectionate for just friends.

"YAY more friends!" Bonnie cheered.

"Hold on a second, we don't have enough room in our tent for another girl," Serena said trying to quickly think of a way for her not to come.

Chelsea looked at Serena, "It's alright I like to sleep outside under the stars anyway," she explained.

Serena was taken aback, "What if it rains?"

Ash looked at Chelsea, "We can get a bigger tent." Ash resolved.

Chelsea looked at Serena, she began to study her. "You know what," She looked at Ash, "Um, never mind. I know when I am unwanted." She said looking back at Serena.

Serena felt like a pane of glass that Chelsea could just see through. "What? I didn't say anything of the sort."

Chelsea tilted her head a bit, "I don't want to sound rude or anything, but what happened to your hair?" Chelsea gave a concerned look, changing the subject.